Hello,
I found a quaker 1 week ago and have actively searched for its owner ever since. (Knocked on doors, hung signs, called local vets, checked local Petco lost/found board, Petfinder and Craigs List) Meanwhile I am taking care of the bird and trying to educate myself to do a good job of it. (I love all animals and couldn't just leave it outside alone.) I purchased a cage, ladder, food, toys, mirror and a water bottle for misting to get started.
The main problem is biting. The bird bites all of the time so there is no possibility of taking it out of the cage. It bites so hard that my husband and I both have bled from the bites. We know it is tramatized from being lost and outside but we have been very friendly and loving to it. We talk, sing and just try to make it feel safe. It actually learned to say "hello" and "what's up."
Are there any secrets that we can try to stop it from biting? Is there a way to tell the age of a bird? **Also under the lower beak where it meets the neck there is a space where the beak is not connected to the neck, is this normal?
It's been a week and no luck in finding the owner so we want to give it a name. We have no idea if it is male or female. Is there a way to tell or guess? Does anyone have any good name ideas to suggest?
Thank you so much for your time, it is greatly appreciated by me and this adorable bird!!
Thanks,
Pam
Full Version: Confused, Puzzled And Need Advise, Please?!
Pam, bless you for saving this bird from whatever fate it may have stumbled into.
Welcome to the group.
The bird may just be frightened of new people, new surroundings, new cage and toy...everything new.
Quakers don't relly like change, so it will take a while for him/her to get used to everything.
DNA is the only way to know if you have a he or a she.
Biting is a big thing with Quakers. That may stop or may not stop. I have had mone for 8 years and she still nabs me now and then. Most are pretty cage aggressive. (THIS is MY cage, don't even touch it!!!)
Yes, they do have an attitude (Quakatude) but we all love them just the same.
If I start to take Kiwi out of her cage, she wants raw flesh. I wrap a thick cloth around my arm and hand and stay after her til she steps on it. Once she is out of the cage, she is just fine.
Your bird may have been with it's former owners for quite a while and could be grieving for them.
The former owner may be grieving OR NOT. Some cruel owners have been known to get tired of them and just throw them out for the hawks to have for dinner.
If no one claimed him (we call most of them "him" until we know), then maybe it's just because they didn't want him...your good fortune. If that's the case, I believe it was meant for you two to find each other.
My Kiwi was given to me by a "lady" who just didn't want her anymore. She bought what she called "a better bird". I doubt if her bird is one bit better than my little mean green machine
Best wishes with God's poor little creature who was lost and might have been unwanted (I hate that word)
I'm so glad you couldn't just walk away.
Beaker or Beaky might be a good name Sorry!
Welcome to the group.
The bird may just be frightened of new people, new surroundings, new cage and toy...everything new.
Quakers don't relly like change, so it will take a while for him/her to get used to everything.
DNA is the only way to know if you have a he or a she.
Biting is a big thing with Quakers. That may stop or may not stop. I have had mone for 8 years and she still nabs me now and then. Most are pretty cage aggressive. (THIS is MY cage, don't even touch it!!!)
Yes, they do have an attitude (Quakatude) but we all love them just the same.
If I start to take Kiwi out of her cage, she wants raw flesh. I wrap a thick cloth around my arm and hand and stay after her til she steps on it. Once she is out of the cage, she is just fine.
Your bird may have been with it's former owners for quite a while and could be grieving for them.
The former owner may be grieving OR NOT. Some cruel owners have been known to get tired of them and just throw them out for the hawks to have for dinner.
If no one claimed him (we call most of them "him" until we know), then maybe it's just because they didn't want him...your good fortune. If that's the case, I believe it was meant for you two to find each other.
My Kiwi was given to me by a "lady" who just didn't want her anymore. She bought what she called "a better bird". I doubt if her bird is one bit better than my little mean green machine
Best wishes with God's poor little creature who was lost and might have been unwanted (I hate that word)
I'm so glad you couldn't just walk away.
Beaker or Beaky might be a good name Sorry!
Hi Pam:
I'm no expert but there are quite a few on here. I'm sure they'll comment when they read your note.
With regard to the biting, I think the previous post might have it right. My Quaker, even after 5 years, would take extra interest (which might include a nip) in what I was doing if I were anywhere near or in his cage. Have you tried opening the cage door and letting you QP come out on his own? You might also want to use the "step up" command while trying to pick up your QP. If he can talk, he most likely knows the step up command. I'm sure you'll notice a difference in your bird as he becomes more comfortable in his environment.
I don't believe that the lower beak space is not an issue.
Iain
I'm no expert but there are quite a few on here. I'm sure they'll comment when they read your note.
With regard to the biting, I think the previous post might have it right. My Quaker, even after 5 years, would take extra interest (which might include a nip) in what I was doing if I were anywhere near or in his cage. Have you tried opening the cage door and letting you QP come out on his own? You might also want to use the "step up" command while trying to pick up your QP. If he can talk, he most likely knows the step up command. I'm sure you'll notice a difference in your bird as he becomes more comfortable in his environment.
I don't believe that the lower beak space is not an issue.
Iain
Welcome to the Forum! We found our bird Wallace in the same way. After no one came to claim him we adopted him. The first thing that helped us was to get his wings clipped. That allowed us to start working with him.
As far as biting, you might try using a towel or gloves to get him out of the cage and take him somewhere unfamilier to work with him. If you've only had him for a week you might want to give him a little more time as he's still settling in. Sitting next to him, talking, singing, and offering him treats through the bars are good ways to bond with him.
As for age, unless he has a leg band there's no way to tell his age.
The gap under his beak is normal. It's just part of their anatomy.
What kinds of food have you been feeding him? Because in addition to pellets they like fresh fruits and veggies, and things like rice and oatmeal. You can refer to the safe and toxic foods list for more ideas.
There are tons of really nice and helpful people on this forum, so feel free to ask questions, and good luck with your new baby.
As far as biting, you might try using a towel or gloves to get him out of the cage and take him somewhere unfamilier to work with him. If you've only had him for a week you might want to give him a little more time as he's still settling in. Sitting next to him, talking, singing, and offering him treats through the bars are good ways to bond with him.
As for age, unless he has a leg band there's no way to tell his age.
The gap under his beak is normal. It's just part of their anatomy.
What kinds of food have you been feeding him? Because in addition to pellets they like fresh fruits and veggies, and things like rice and oatmeal. You can refer to the safe and toxic foods list for more ideas.
There are tons of really nice and helpful people on this forum, so feel free to ask questions, and good luck with your new baby.
You will prob have to have a lot of patience and give him plenty more time. As for the place you described under is beak..that is natural. All parrots are like that.
You've been given great advice so far, so I just want to welcome you to the forum 
Pam...me again. I just wanted to remind you...no sugar, no salt, no chocolate or onions...see the list someone just told you about or Google "Safe and unsafe food for your bird"
We'll think of more things on down the line and send all the safety tips we can think of.
Some people don't believe in clipped wings, but that may save your birds life. If he flies into a window thinking it is open space, he could break his tiny little neck and if he flies and falls down a heavy piece of furniture that you can't move without help, it may be too late before you could get him out, and moving the furniture could be dangerous as well. I've had friends that have experienced both.
Also, even if the wings are clipped, the wind can lift him up, so it's not good to take one outside and take that chance. That's how my Sun Conure came to me...he blew in on a storm. I'm so shocked that the hawks didn't dine on him during his flight.
More QP lovers will be along with more info for you. Hang in ther. It's a good thing you are doing.
We'll think of more things on down the line and send all the safety tips we can think of.
Some people don't believe in clipped wings, but that may save your birds life. If he flies into a window thinking it is open space, he could break his tiny little neck and if he flies and falls down a heavy piece of furniture that you can't move without help, it may be too late before you could get him out, and moving the furniture could be dangerous as well. I've had friends that have experienced both.
Also, even if the wings are clipped, the wind can lift him up, so it's not good to take one outside and take that chance. That's how my Sun Conure came to me...he blew in on a storm. I'm so shocked that the hawks didn't dine on him during his flight.
More QP lovers will be along with more info for you. Hang in ther. It's a good thing you are doing.
Thank you to everyone for all your advice and suggestions. I appreciate your help and don't know what I'd do without you! Please keep any other ideas and thoughts coming...Thanks again,
Pam
I have a couple more questions...Should the cage be covered at night?
How much fresh fruits and vegetables should be given each day?
If I can get the number on the band of his foot what will it tell me? and where can I look it up?
If anyone has a good suggestion for a name I'd love to hear it!
Thanks again,
Pam
Hi, Pam! I got my little green monster the same way. He showed up here one day and we never located his people, so we kept him -- or he kept us, if you like! Actually a friend spotted him first, but it's our house, so ... We don't know Clyde's age or gender, either, we just say "him" because, well, he acts like a "him." Not very scientific, but what can you do? As long as he's not traumatized by being called "him" if he's actually "her."
You can try different names on your birdy and see if he seems to respond to any of them, or just pick one and figure he'll get used to it eventually. He might even acknowledge it someday. Clyde has finally resigned himself to his name, though we think maybe his name was Pepper before because he says "pepper" a lot, but on the other hand, his favorite treat is green pepper, so maybe that's why he says it. Does yours say anything that could be his name? If he does, you could just call him that.
As for the biting, Clyde nails us regularly -- my husband more than me because he gets more fun out of it. Hubby squawks "OW!" very loudly when he gets nipped. The poor baby (yours) is probably still freaked out from whatever he's been through, as others have said, and it's just going to take time and patience for him to get over it and realize he's home now. Clyde wasn't as freaked out because he spent half a day trying to get somebody to come and pick him up when he turned up here -- we were remodeling and no one realized he was a parrot at first since we have an outdoor feeder and we get all kinds of birds hanging around. Clyde clearly chose us for his new home and wasn't leaving until somebody noticed him. Sounds like your little guy did the same thing with you. If you've tried for a week and nobody has claimed him, I'd say he's yours. If I lost my baby, God forbid, I'd be combing the streets and advertising and doing everything I could think of, so maybe they don't want him anyway. I can't imagine WHY they wouldn't.
You don't want to give him too many, but birds really love sunflower seeds and maybe you can bribe your way into his little heart by giving him some of those, one at a time, through the bars. Then try opening the door and letting him come out and giving them to him once he's out. You'll probably get nipped, and they CAN bite hard -- we've both bled a few times, too -- but I'll bet he calms down eventually. He's just scared right now. If you haven't already fallen completely in love with him, you will soon, and even getting bitten won't seem so bad. Mine poos on me every day and I don't even flinch!
Actually a friend spotted him first, but it's our house, so ... We don't know Clyde's age or gender, either, we just say "him" because, well, he acts like a "him." Not very scientific, but what can you do? As long as he's not traumatized by being called "him" if he's actually "her." You can try different names on your birdy and see if he seems to respond to any of them, or just pick one and figure he'll get used to it eventually. He might even acknowledge it someday.
Clyde has finally resigned himself to his name, though we think maybe his name was Pepper before because he says "pepper" a lot, but on the other hand, his favorite treat is green pepper, so maybe that's why he says it. Does yours say anything that could be his name? If he does, you could just call him that. As for the biting, Clyde nails us regularly -- my husband more than me because he gets more fun out of it. Hubby squawks "OW!" very loudly when he gets nipped. The poor baby (yours) is probably still freaked out from whatever he's been through, as others have said, and it's just going to take time and patience for him to get over it and realize he's home now. Clyde wasn't as freaked out because he spent half a day trying to get somebody to come and pick him up when he turned up here -- we were remodeling and no one realized he was a parrot at first since we have an outdoor feeder and we get all kinds of birds hanging around. Clyde clearly chose us for his new home and wasn't leaving until somebody noticed him.
Sounds like your little guy did the same thing with you. If you've tried for a week and nobody has claimed him, I'd say he's yours. If I lost my baby, God forbid, I'd be combing the streets and advertising and doing everything I could think of, so maybe they don't want him anyway. I can't imagine WHY they wouldn't. You don't want to give him too many, but birds really love sunflower seeds and maybe you can bribe your way into his little heart by giving him some of those, one at a time, through the bars. Then try opening the door and letting him come out and giving them to him once he's out. You'll probably get nipped, and they CAN bite hard -- we've both bled a few times, too -- but I'll bet he calms down eventually. He's just scared right now. If you haven't already fallen completely in love with him, you will soon, and even getting bitten won't seem so bad. Mine poos on me every day and I don't even flinch!
http://www.quakerparrots.com/forum/index.p...mp;hl=Leg+bands
This Post had a lot of information on leg bands.
This Post had a lot of information on leg bands.
If you're interested in trying to find his breeder (which you may be able to from the band information) and depending on if the breeder kept good records, you may be able to find this bird's owner If you want, you can PM me, or Andie's Mom the leg band information and one of us should be able to help you find the breeder, or point you in the right direction. Just make sure not to post the complete band information on the forum.
If you want, you can PM me, or Andie's Mom the leg band information and one of us should be able to help you find the breeder, or point you in the right direction. Just make sure not to post the complete band information on the forum.
Hi Pam,
You sound awesome, and doing the best you know.. few things.. post in parrot alert, and the other online bird lost sites.. you say you've had him/her for a week, and usually they can get lost for over a month, but still be within a 2 mile radius of there home, birds usually stay within a mile of their home the first month..
yes, to the thing under the neck, and yes to try and cover his cage, also I didnt read all the post so dont really know yet how much advice you have gotten I am sure tons.. but, time shuga.. time, he/she doesnt know what is going on.. who you are, and is just simply freaked out, you could get his/her wings clipped, and slowly open the cage and see if he/she walks out on his her own.. keep loving, talking, and make sure the cage is back part is up against a wall, does he/she have a hidden place to go to in his/her cage.. put that in there too.. a hut... is he/she eating and drinking well yet?? and mix pellets with the bird seed, you dont know what he/she is use to eating, so give lots of different things.. cut up the fruit and veggies small, and nuts, they all love nuts.. but main stay pellets mixed with bird seed for now..
hugs, and you might just be new owner of something great ... it takes time... oh and when and if biting occurs, push into his beak, to break his balance, put in cage and cover it up, then after 5 minutes take off cover.. no words.. words, emotions they perceive as whoohoooooooey I am going to do that again...
best of luck to ya,
C
You sound awesome, and doing the best you know.. few things.. post in parrot alert, and the other online bird lost sites.. you say you've had him/her for a week, and usually they can get lost for over a month, but still be within a 2 mile radius of there home, birds usually stay within a mile of their home the first month..
yes, to the thing under the neck, and yes to try and cover his cage, also I didnt read all the post so dont really know yet how much advice you have gotten I am sure tons.. but, time shuga.. time, he/she doesnt know what is going on.. who you are, and is just simply freaked out, you could get his/her wings clipped, and slowly open the cage and see if he/she walks out on his her own.. keep loving, talking, and make sure the cage is back part is up against a wall, does he/she have a hidden place to go to in his/her cage.. put that in there too.. a hut... is he/she eating and drinking well yet?? and mix pellets with the bird seed, you dont know what he/she is use to eating, so give lots of different things.. cut up the fruit and veggies small, and nuts, they all love nuts.. but main stay pellets mixed with bird seed for now..
hugs, and you might just be new owner of something great ... it takes time... oh and when and if biting occurs, push into his beak, to break his balance, put in cage and cover it up, then after 5 minutes take off cover.. no words.. words, emotions they perceive as whoohoooooooey I am going to do that again...
best of luck to ya,
C
Good for you Pam! Sounds like you're doing a great job. You've gotten some great advice already. If the biting doesn't stop, don't be discouraged. I have two Quakers, one a rescue who bit at first but is much better now and one a rehome who plucks, hates humans but talks like an angel and is secretly in love with me as long as I don't try to touch him. Quakers are quirky little boogers but well worth having... quirks and all. Good luck and I'd love to see pics and hear how the little one is doing.
WELCOME to the Group from me..
Read up on other posts on each forum your bound to learn lots by just doing that, I would say like many of the others your new fid (feathered kid) is probably still afraid (hence the bitting ) I have my birds flighted BUT if I were you and had a new fid fly in I would have him clipped by a avian vet and checked over too , he is probably fine but a well check is usually advised for new birds and then your vet has a record of him ..Having your bird clipped he will be more dependant on you and he may calm down too , but don`t do it yourself those little green machines can hold a grudge , when the wings grow back you can decide if you want a flighted fid or not he may settle down with just the one clip and be a model little guy, a week isn`t long give him time love and patience will win over ..Good Luck..
also I am not sure if anyone has mentioned NO AVOCADO /Caffine/Chocolate/sweets or salt...
Fruit should be offered maybe 2 or 3 times a week (a lot of natural sugars can cause yeast growth) , mine love apples/Mango/Kiwi fruit.. of a evening mine get cooked brown rice with veggies I cook up a batch and freeze in little bags for a nights meal lasts me a month / they can have mashed sweet potato /scrambled egg/wholemeal pasta and fresh chopped up veggies too..Like I said lots of this information is on other forums just hunt them down and read..
Good Luck.. Here are some piccys of my boys ..
Sunny and Buddy chopped veggies..
Buddy taking a bath (you may want to provide a shallow dish for your little guy they love to bathe, mine usually fit the bath a couple of times a week)
Buddy with Mango and Strawberry
Buddy veggies on a skewer..
Here is a link to my boys favorite ...check out the other recipes too lots of yummies for birds...
http://www.quakerparrots.com/forum/index.p...=12437&st=0
P.S ...My boys love unsalted cashews they usually get 2 halves a day as a treat (sometimes a bribe to get back into their cage ..lol)
Read up on other posts on each forum your bound to learn lots by just doing that, I would say like many of the others your new fid (feathered kid) is probably still afraid (hence the bitting ) I have my birds flighted BUT if I were you and had a new fid fly in I would have him clipped by a avian vet and checked over too , he is probably fine but a well check is usually advised for new birds and then your vet has a record of him ..Having your bird clipped he will be more dependant on you and he may calm down too , but don`t do it yourself those little green machines can hold a grudge , when the wings grow back you can decide if you want a flighted fid or not he may settle down with just the one clip and be a model little guy, a week isn`t long give him time love and patience will win over ..Good Luck..
also I am not sure if anyone has mentioned NO AVOCADO /Caffine/Chocolate/sweets or salt...
Fruit should be offered maybe 2 or 3 times a week (a lot of natural sugars can cause yeast growth) , mine love apples/Mango/Kiwi fruit.. of a evening mine get cooked brown rice with veggies I cook up a batch and freeze in little bags for a nights meal lasts me a month / they can have mashed sweet potato /scrambled egg/wholemeal pasta and fresh chopped up veggies too..Like I said lots of this information is on other forums just hunt them down and read..
Good Luck.. Here are some piccys of my boys ..
Sunny and Buddy chopped veggies..
Buddy taking a bath (you may want to provide a shallow dish for your little guy they love to bathe, mine usually fit the bath a couple of times a week)
Buddy with Mango and Strawberry
Buddy veggies on a skewer..
Here is a link to my boys favorite ...check out the other recipes too lots of yummies for birds...
http://www.quakerparrots.com/forum/index.p...=12437&st=0
P.S ...My boys love unsalted cashews they usually get 2 halves a day as a treat (sometimes a bribe to get back into their cage ..lol)
QUOTE (Majj @ Aug 18 2008, 10:23 PM) 
WELCOME to the Group from me..
Read up on other posts on each forum your bound to learn lots by just doing that, I would say like many of the others your new fid (feathered kid) is probably still afraid (hence the bitting ) I have my birds flighted BUT if I were you and had a new fid fly in I would have him clipped by a avian vet and checked over too , he is probably fine but a well check is usually advised for new birds and then your vet has a record of him ..Having your bird clipped he will be more dependant on you and he may calm down too , but don`t do it yourself those little green machines can hold a grudge , when the wings grow back you can decide if you want a flighted fid or not he may settle down with just the one clip and be a model little guy, a week isn`t long give him time love and patience will win over ..Good Luck..
also I am not sure if anyone has mentioned NO AVOCADO /Caffine/Chocolate/sweets or salt...
Fruit should be offered maybe 2 or 3 times a week (a lot of natural sugars can cause yeast growth) , mine love apples/Mango/Kiwi fruit.. of a evening mine get cooked brown rice with veggies I cook up a batch and freeze in little bags for a nights meal lasts me a month / they can have mashed sweet potato /scrambled egg/wholemeal pasta and fresh chopped up veggies too..Like I said lots of this information is on other forums just hunt them down and read..
Good Luck.. Here are some piccys of my boys ..
Sunny and Buddy chopped veggies..
Buddy taking a bath (you may want to provide a shallow dish for your little guy they love to bathe, mine usually fit the bath a couple of times a week)
Buddy with Mango and Strawberry
Buddy veggies on a skewer..
Here is a link to my boys favorite ...check out the other recipes too lots of yummies for birds...
http://www.quakerparrots.com/forum/index.p...=12437&st=0
P.S ...My boys love unsalted cashews they usually get 2 halves a day as a treat (sometimes a bribe to get back into their cage ..lol)
Read up on other posts on each forum your bound to learn lots by just doing that, I would say like many of the others your new fid (feathered kid) is probably still afraid (hence the bitting ) I have my birds flighted BUT if I were you and had a new fid fly in I would have him clipped by a avian vet and checked over too , he is probably fine but a well check is usually advised for new birds and then your vet has a record of him ..Having your bird clipped he will be more dependant on you and he may calm down too , but don`t do it yourself those little green machines can hold a grudge , when the wings grow back you can decide if you want a flighted fid or not he may settle down with just the one clip and be a model little guy, a week isn`t long give him time love and patience will win over ..Good Luck..
also I am not sure if anyone has mentioned NO AVOCADO /Caffine/Chocolate/sweets or salt...
Fruit should be offered maybe 2 or 3 times a week (a lot of natural sugars can cause yeast growth) , mine love apples/Mango/Kiwi fruit.. of a evening mine get cooked brown rice with veggies I cook up a batch and freeze in little bags for a nights meal lasts me a month / they can have mashed sweet potato /scrambled egg/wholemeal pasta and fresh chopped up veggies too..Like I said lots of this information is on other forums just hunt them down and read..
Good Luck.. Here are some piccys of my boys ..
Sunny and Buddy chopped veggies..
Buddy taking a bath (you may want to provide a shallow dish for your little guy they love to bathe, mine usually fit the bath a couple of times a week)
Buddy with Mango and Strawberry
Buddy veggies on a skewer..
Here is a link to my boys favorite ...check out the other recipes too lots of yummies for birds...
http://www.quakerparrots.com/forum/index.p...=12437&st=0
P.S ...My boys love unsalted cashews they usually get 2 halves a day as a treat (sometimes a bribe to get back into their cage ..lol)
You have great pictures and beautiful Birds!!! I have a question though are your veggies you are feeding them cooked or raw? I am a newbie and my 18wk old QP won't really eat anything I feed her fresh.
The chopped up ones I give of a morning are raw..corn on the cob is cooked(zapped in MW for 2 mins) the night time meal is usually a warm cooked meal brown rice with cooked diced veggies, I cook up and freeze in small sizes and zap each night for their dinner. Pellets in the cage or on the bird stand 24/7 and fresh water daily...My boys like Roudybush crumbles (pellets)..
P.S
Fresh food should be removed after a few hours as spoilage can cause bacteria and the birds can get sick..
Pellets in the cage or on the bird stand 24/7 and fresh water daily...My boys like Roudybush crumbles (pellets)..P.S
Fresh food should be removed after a few hours as spoilage can cause bacteria and the birds can get sick..
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